Use of an emulsion formulation of propofol ('Diprivan') in intravenous anaesthesia for termination of pregnancy. A comparison with methohexitone.

The use of an emulsion formulation of 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol) for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia was compared with methohexitone in 60 patients undergoing termination of pregnancy. In the dosages chosen the two agents appeared to be equi-potent. Propofol was associated with a statistically significant superior quality of anaesthesia. Apnoea of greater than 30 s occurred in 8 patients who received propofol but in none of the patients who received methohexitone. Methohexitone was associated with coughing and laryngospasm in 5 patients. There was no difference in the recovery times between the 2 groups but the patients who received methohexitone were significantly more drowsy post-operatively.